Acetabular prosthesis system

ABSTRACT

An acetabular prosthesis system configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared acetabulum includes an acetabular shell, an augment component, and a fastener configured to couple the acetabular shell and the augment component together.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for usein orthopaedic surgery, and particularly to a modular acetabularprosthesis and augment component for use during the orthopaedic surgicalprocedure.

BACKGROUND

In hip replacement surgeries, a prosthetic acetabular cup is positionedin the acetabulum and coupled to the patient's hipbone. An acetabularcup typically includes an outer shell configured to engage the patient'shipbone and an inner bearing or liner coupled to the shell andconfigured to engage a femoral prosthesis. Oftentimes, a portion of thepatient's hipbone adjacent the acetabulum is damaged or diseased. Thesedamaged or diseased portions are typically removed by the surgeon andreplaced by an augment component. The augment component is typicallysecured to the patient's hipbone after which the outer shell of theacetabular cup is properly placed and secured to the augment component.Bone cement may be used to secure the augment component to the hipboneand to secure the augment component to the outer shell.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an acetabularprosthesis system configured to be coupled to a surgically-preparedacetabulum of a patient's hipbone includes an acetabular shell and anaugment component configured to be coupled to the acetabular shell. Theacetabular shell includes an outer curved surface configured to engagethe surgically-prepared acetabulum, an inner curved surface, and aplurality of apertures extending through the outer curved surface andthe inner curved surface. The augment component is configured to bereceived within a void created in the surgically-prepared acetabulum andincludes an inner curved surface configured to engage the outer curvedsurface of the acetabular shell, an outer surface, and a slot extendingthrough the inner curved surface of the augment component and the outersurface of the augment component. A first fastener of the prosthesis isconfigured to extend through at least one of the plurality of aperturesof the acetabular shell and into the slot of the augment component inorder to couple the acetabular shell and the augment component together.

In one illustrative embodiment, the augment component may include a boreconfigured to receive a second fastener therethrough. Such a bore may bethreaded or non-threaded. In embodiments where the bore is non-threaded,the augment component may be configured for the fastener to beself-threaded into the slot of the augment component.

In another illustrative embodiment, the outer surface of the augmentcomponent may be curved. Further, the augment component may include agenerally flat end surface. Illustratively, the slot of the augmentcomponent may define a plane generally perpendicular to the generallyflat end surface of the augment component. Further illustratively, thebore of the augment component may extend through the outer curvedsurface of the augment component and the generally flat end surface ofthe augment component.

In still another embodiment, the augment component may be made from aporous metal material. Illustratively, the porous material may betitanium foam.

In yet another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the inner curvedsurface of the augment component may be generally equivalent to theradius of curvature of the outer curved surface of the shell.Alternatively, the radius of curvature of the inner curved surface ofthe augment component may be 90%-100% of the radius of curvature of theouter curved surface of the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an acetabularprosthesis system configured to be coupled to a surgically-preparedacetabulum of a patient's hipbone includes an acetabular shell, anaugment component, and a fastener configured to secure the acetabularshell to the augment component. Illustratively, at least one of theacetabular shell and the augment component includes a slot extendingtherethrough. The acetabular shell includes an outer curved surfaceconfigured to engage the surgically-prepared acetabulum and an innercurved surface. The augment component is configured to be receivedwithin a void in the surgically-prepared acetabulum of the patient'shipbone and includes an inner curved surface configured to engage theouter curved surface of the acetabular shell.

In one illustrative embodiment, the acetabular shell may include theslot and the augment component may include a bore configured to receivethe fastener therethrough.

In another illustrative embodiment, the augment component may includethe slot. Further, a curved body of the acetabular shell may be devoidof any slot or aperture configured to receive the fastener therethrough.Illustratively, the curved body of the acetabular shell may be made froma porous metal such as titanium foam, for example.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the acetabular shell is able tobe secured by the fastener to the augment component in first, second,third, and fourth orientations. Illustratively, in the secondorientation the acetabular shell may be moved in one of a medial and alateral direction relative to the position of the acetabular shell inthe first orientation. Further illustratively, in the third orientationthe acetabular shell may be moved in one of an anterior and a posteriordirection relative to the position of the acetabular shell in the firstorientation. In the fourth orientation, the acetabular shell may bemoved in one of a superior and an inferior direction relative to theposition of the acetabular shell in the first orientation.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofimplanting an acetabular prosthesis system in a surgically-preparedacetabulum, includes implanting an augment component within a voidcreated in the surgically-prepared acetabulum and coupling the augmentcomponent to the surgically-prepared acetabulum. The method furtherincludes positioning an acetabular shell in the acetabulum and orientingthe acetabular shell to align a slot of the augment component with atleast one aperture of the acetabular shell, and coupling the acetabularshell to the augment component.

In one embodiment, coupling the acetabular shell to the augmentcomponent may include driving a fastener through the bore of theacetabular shell and the slot of the augment component. Illustratively,the fastener may include a self-tapping bone screw.

In another illustrative embodiment, the acetabular shell may be coupledto the augment component before the augment component is coupled to thesurgically-prepared acetabulum. Alternatively, the acetabular shell maybe coupled to the augment component after the augment component iscoupled to the surgically-prepared acetabulum.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, coupling the acetabular shell tothe augment component may include drilling a fastener through theacetabular shell and into the augment component. The fastener may alsobe drilled through the acetabular shell, through the augment component,and into the patient's hipbone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an acetabular prosthesissystem including an acetabular shell, an augment component, and a screwfor coupling the shell and augment component together;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the acetabular shell and augmentcomponent;

FIG. 3A is a front view of the augment component;

FIGS. 3B and 3C are perspective views of the augment component;

FIG. 4 is an assembled, sectional view of the acetabular prosthesissystem implanted into a patient's acetabulum;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system showing the shell and theaugment component in a first orientation relative to each other;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5 showing the shell and theaugment component in a second orientation relative to each other;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the shelland the augment component in a third orientation relative to each other;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of another acetabular prosthesissystem of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of yet another acetabularprosthesis system of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and willherein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, thatthere is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives following within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

An acetabular prosthesis system 10 includes a modular cup 11 having anacetabular shell 12 and an augment component 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and4. The modular cup may also include a liner, such as the exemplary liner16 shown in FIG. 4, coupled to the shell 12. The system 10 furtherincludes a fastener 26 configured to couple the shell 12 and the augmentcomponent 14 together. The system 10 provides an acetabular prosthesisfor implantation in an acetabulum, such as the acetabulum 18 shown inFIG. 4, and the surrounding hipbone 19. The system 10 described hereinmay be used in primary as well as revision hip implant procedures whereminor or significant bone tissue loss has occurred in or around theacetabulum. Illustratively, as is discussed in greater detail below, theaugment component 14 is provided to replace and fill such areas wherebone tissue loss has occurred while the modular cup is provided to fitwithin the acetabulum and mate with a corresponding femoral prostheticcomponent such as the exemplary femoral component 17 shown in FIG. 4.

The shell 12 of the acetabular cup is generally hemispherical in shapeand includes a curved, convex outer surface 20 and a curved, concaveinner surface 22. As is discussed in greater detail below, the convexouter surface 20 is configured to be received within the acetabulum 18of the patient during the hip replacement procedure. Illustratively, theshell 12 is made from a biocompatible metal such as such as titanium,titanium alloys, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, for example.However, the shell 12 may be made from any other suitable biocompatiblematerial as well including ceramics and plastics, for example. Further,the shell 12 may be made from a porous metal scaffold or foam. Thisporous metal may comprise stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys,cobalt-chromium alloys, and other materials that are suited for use in abiocompatible environment. For example, the porous metal scaffold may bea “titanium foam” material described, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/677,140 titled “Porous Metal Foam Structures andMethods” and assigned to the same assignee as the present application,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Accordingly, therefore, it is within the scope of this disclosure toinclude a shell 12 made from any biocompatible porous or non-porousmaterial. The shell 12 may also include a biocompatible porous ornon-porous coating thereon.

As noted above, the shell 12 of the acetabular cup is typicallyassociated with a bearing liner, such as the liner 16 shown in FIG. 4.While such bearing liners are typically made from a biocompatiblepolymer, a bearing liner for use with the shell 12 may be made from anysuitable biocompatible material. The bearing liner may be coupled to theinner surface 22 of the shell 12 through the use of a retaining ringlock or bone cement, for example.

The illustrative shell 12 includes a plurality of apertures 24 extendingthrough the outer surface 20 and the inner surface 22 of the shell 12.While the shell 12 disclosed herein includes thirteen apertures 24, itis within the scope of this disclosure to provide a shell including anynumber of apertures. For example, it is contemplated that a shellincluding one or more apertures may be provided. It is further withinthe scope of this disclosure to locate the apertures of the shell in anysuitable orientation. Furthermore, as is discussed below, it is withinthe scope of this disclosure to provide a shell without any aperturesformed through the inner and outer surfaces of the curved body of theshell.

Illustratively, the apertures 24 are each able to receive the fastener26 therethrough in order to couple the shell 12 to the acetabulum 18.Furthermore, the apertures 24 may also allow for bone cementinfiltration in procedures where bone cement (not shown) is used toattach the shell 12 to the acetabulum 18 and/or to attach the bearingliner 16 to the shell 12. Finally, the apertures 24 may also allow forbone tissue in-growth.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apertures 24 of the shell 12 are defined by asmooth sidewall 27. However, it is within the scope of this disclosureto include a shell 12 having one or more bores which define a threadedsurface. Each aperture 24 further includes a recessed area 28 defined bythe smooth sidewall 27 and formed in the inner surface 22 of the shell12. The recessed area 28 is provided to receive the head 31 of the screw26 therein in order to maintain a generally smooth inner surface 22 ofthe shell 12 when the shell 12 is coupled to both the augment component14 and to the patient's hipbone 19.

The augment component 14 is provided to fill any defects within thepatient's hipbone 19. As is described in greater detail below, thesurgeon may fill a defective area of the acetabulum 18 or surroundinghipbone 19 with one or more augment components. Illustratively, theaugment component 14 is generally wedge-shaped. However, the augmentcomponent 14 may be any suitable shape or size to fill a defective areaof the acetabulum 18 having any shape or size.

Illustratively, the augment component 14 is made from a porous metalscaffold material such as the “titanium foam” material described above.However, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide an augmentcomponent 14 made from any biocompatible porous metal as well as anyother biocompatible porous material that provides suitable boneingrowth. Alternatively, the augment component 14 may be made from abiocompatible solid material and or a solid material having a porouscoating thereon. Accordingly, as with the shell 12, it is within thescope of this disclosure for the augment component 14 to be made fromany suitable biocompatible porous or non-porous material.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3C, the augment component 14 includes a curved outersurface 30, a curved inner surface 32, and an end surface 34.Illustratively, the augment component 14 defines a wedge-shaped portionof a generally hemispherical component. However, as noted above, theaugment component 14 may define any suitable shape or size. For example,the augment component 14 may be generally rectangularly shaped, ovalshaped, square shaped, or the like. Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 2,the inner surface 32 of the augment component 14 has a radius ofcurvature 80 generally the same as or substantially similar to a radiusof curvature 82 of the outer surface 20 of the shell 12. As such, inuse, the outer surface 20 of the shell 12 is engaged with andsubstantially conforms to the inner surface 32 of the augment component14, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5-7, for example. However, it is within thescope of this disclosure to include a system wherein the radius ofcurvature of the inner surface of the augment component is smaller thanthe radius of curvature of the outer, curved surface of the shell. Forexample, the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the augmentcomponent may be approximately 90%-100% of the radius of curvature ofthe outer, curved surface of the shell. In such a system, the augmentcomponent becomes slightly deformed when the system is assembled and theaugment component is coupled to the shell in order to fit onto theouter, curved surface of the shell. This slight deformation of theaugment component causes the augment component to “pinch” the shell whenthe two components are secured together. Accordingly, this pinchingaction of the augment component on the shell operates to further securethe augment component and the shell to each other.

The augment component 14 further includes a slot 40 formed through andextending between the curved outer surface 30 and the curved innersurface 32. Illustratively, the slot 40 is linear and is oriented todefine a plane generally perpendicular to the end surface 34 of theaugment component 14. Further illustratively, as shown in FIGS. 3A and3C, the slot 40 extends through the outer and inner curved surfaces 30,32 in an up and down direction between a top edge 42 and a bottom outeredge 44 of the end surface 34 of the augment component. Further, asshown in the bottom perspective view of the augment component 14 in FIG.3C, the slot 40 extends through the outer and inner curved surfaces 30,32 in an up and down direction between an inner edge 46 of the endsurface 34 of the augment component 14 and the top edge 42 of theaugment component 14. However, it is within the scope of this disclosurefor the augment component 14 to include a slot in any location and anyorientation. For example, it is within the scope of this disclosure toprovide an augment component including a slot defining a plane generallyparallel to or angled at any degree to the end surface of the augmentcomponent. It is also within the scope of this disclosure to include aslot extending through the augment component from any outer surface ofthe augment component 14 to any other outer surface of the augmentcomponent 14.

Illustratively, the slot 40 is sized to receive the fastener 26 in orderto couple the shell 12 and the augment component 14 to each other. Asshown and described above in reference to FIG. 1, the illustrativefastener 26 is a self-tapping bone screw configured to self-tap into thetitanium foam material of the augment component 14 as the fastener 26 isdrilled into the slot. However, it is within the scope of thisdisclosure for the fastener to be any type of bone screw, locking screw,nut and bolt, etc. suitable for securing the augment component 14 andthe shell 12 together. It should be understood that the particular size(e.g., the width) of the slot may be configured to receive any suitablefastener therein. Further, the size of the slot may be varied tomaximize both the ease of insertion of the fastener as well as theretention of the fastener with the slot. For example, it may be moredifficult to drill a screw through a narrow slot relative to the size ofthe fastener; however, such a narrow slot may operate to better bite andretain the fastener therein. Conversely, a wider slot may be easier fora surgeon or other technician to drill a fastener therethrough; however,such a wide slot may provide less stability between the fastener and theaugment component. Accordingly, the size and shape of the slot may bevaried to maximize both ease of insertion as well as strength andretention. The size and shape of the slot 40 may also be varied toaccommodate fasteners of different sizes.

The augment component 14 further includes first and second bores 50, 52extending from the outer, curved surface 30 to the generally flat endsurface 34. As shown in FIG. 3A, the slot 40 is positioned between thefirst and second bores 50, 52. Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of thebores 50, 52 are parallel to each other and define a plane extendingthrough the longitudinal axes of the bores 50, 52 that is perpendicularto the plane extending through the slot 40. Illustratively, while thebores 50, 52 extend from the outer, curved surface 30 to the end surface34, it is within the scope of this disclosure to include an augmentcomponent 14 having bores which extend between any two surfaces thereof.Furthermore, while two bores 50, 52 are provided, it is within the scopeof this disclosure to include an augment component 14 having any numberof bores formed therein. Further illustratively, the bores 50, 52 aredefined by a generally smooth inner surface 60; however, the bores 50,52 may be defined by a threaded surface (not shown) as well. As isdiscussed in greater detail below, the bores 50, 52 are configured toreceive a fastener, such as a bone nail or screw, in order to secure theaugment component 14 to the patient's hipbone 19.

In use, the shell 12 and augment component 14 may be oriented in anynumber of positions relative to one another. The shell 12 and theaugment component 14 are each able to slide relative to one another inmedial, lateral, anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior directions,and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the shell 12 and the augmentcomponent 14 are each able to rotate in clockwise or counterclockwisedirections relative to each other in order to achieve a desiredorientation of the two components for the patient. For example, asillustratively shown in FIGS. 5-7, the shell 12 is oriented in threedifferent positions relative to the augment component 14. For example,FIG. 5 shows the shell 12 and the augment component 14 in a firstillustrative orientation. The shell 12 is moved to a second illustrativeposition relative to the augment component 14 in FIG. 6. Illustratively,the shell 12 has rotated or slid to the right in a lateral directionfrom the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6.Further, the shell 12 is shown in a third illustrative position relativeto the augment component 14 in FIG. 7. Illustratively, the shell hasrotated or slid in a forward or anterior direction while also slidinglaterally from the position shown in FIG. 5.

As shown, the shell 12 may be rotated relative to the augment component14 in any direction to allow the surgeon to properly place the shell 12and augment component 14 relative to each other to provide a customizedfit for the patient. Further, the shell 12 and augment component 14 maybe oriented in any suitable position relative to one another such thatany one of the apertures 24 of the shell 12 is aligned with the slot 40of the augment component 14 in order to allow a surgeon or othertechnician to place a fastener through the particular bore of the shell12 and into the slot 40 of the augment component 14 in order to couplethe shell 12 and augment component 14 to each other. Further, theaugment component 14 may be positioned in any location on both thegenerally peripheral position of the outer surface 20 of the shell 12 aswell as the generally central portion of the outer surface 20 of theshell 12. In other words, the augment component 14 may be positioned inposterior, superior, inferior, anterior, medial, and lateral regions ofthe outer surface 20 of the shell 12. Accordingly, the slot 40 of theaugment component 14 allows the surgeon to position the shell 12 in awide variety of locations and orientations while still maintaining theability to secure the shell 12 to the augment component 14 using afastener, such as the screw 26.

During a hip replacement surgery, the surgeon or other technician mayinstall the modular cup and augment system 10 in a number of differentways. In a first method, the surgeon removes the diseased or otherwisedamaged bone from the patient's hipbone 19 in order to create a void,such as void 60 shown in FIG. 4, sized and shaped to receive the augmentcomponent 14 therein. The augment component 14 is then placed within thevoid 60 and secured to the hipbone 19 with the use of two fasteners,such as screws 62. While two screws 62 are shown, it is within the scopeof this disclosure to use any suitable number of screws or otherfasteners to secure the augment component 14 within the void 60.Illustratively, each screw 62 is self-threaded into one of the bores 50,52 of the augment component 14 and then drilled into the patient's bone19 to hold the augment component 14 securely in place. As noted above,the augment component 14 is made from a titanium foam material thatallows the screws 62 to self-thread into the augment component 14 asthey are placed through the bores 50, 52 and into the patient's hipbone19. Bone cement (not shown) may be used in addition to or in place ofthe screws 62 to secure the augment component 14 to the patient's bone19.

Next, the shell 12 is oriented relative to the augment component 14 to aposition selected by the surgeon or their technician. As noted above,the shell 12 may be placed in any number of different positions relativeto the augment component 14 and may be rotated in any number ofdirections in order to achieve the proper placement of the shell 12within the acetabulum to best accommodate the patient's natural anatomy.Once the shell 12 is properly placed, a fastener, such as a bone nail(not shown) or the screw 26, is placed through one of the apertures 24of the shell 12, which is aligned with the slot 40 of the augmentcomponent 14. Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 4, the screw 26 is alsodrilled into the hipbone 19 of the patient to further secure the shell12 and augment component 14 to each other and to the patient. However,it is within the scope of this disclosure to use a shorter screw thatcouples only the shell 12 to the augment component 14 and does notextend into the patient's hipbone 19. After the shell 12 is secured tothe augment component 14, the shell 12 may be further secured to thesurrounding hipbone 19 by placing one or more additional fastenersthrough other apertures 24 of the shell 12 directly into the patient'shipbone 19.

Once the final position of the shell 12 is determined, the surgeon orother technician can then secure the shell 12 to the augment component14 by inserting a fastener 26, such as a surgical screw, through one ormore of the apertures 24 of the shell 12 which generally align with theslot 40 of the augment component 14. The screw 26 may extend upwardlythrough the shell 12 and the augment component 14 with the screw tip notextending past the outer, curved surface of the augment component 14.Alternatively, the screw may be sized such that the screw tip extendsthrough the shell 12 and the augment component 14 beyond the outer,curved surface 30 of the augment component 14 to secure into thepatient's surrounding bone 19 as well.

Alternatively, the surgeon or other technician may first secure theshell 12 into the acetabulum 18 of the patient's hipbone 19 using one ormore fasteners, such as the bone screw 26. Here, the surgeon firstorients the shell 12 in the position which best accommodates thepatient's natural anatomy then secures the shell 12 to the patient'shipbone 19. Once the shell 12 is properly secured in the desiredlocation and orientation, the surgeon may then remove any damaged ordiseased bone around the shell 12 to create a void, such as the void 60,sized and shaped to receive one or more augment components 14 therein.The augment component 14 is then placed within the newly-created void 60and is secured to the already-placed shell 12 through the use of afastener such as screw 26. As discussed above, the fastener 26 isreceived through one of the apertures 24 of the shell 12, which isaligned with the slot 40 of the augment component 14 in order to securethe shell 12 and the augment component 14 together. This screw 26 mayalso be driven into the patient's bone to further secure the shell 12and augment component 14 to the patient's hipbone 19.

An additional method of performing the hip replacement procedureincludes securing the shell 12 to the augment component 14 using afastener at a “back table” away from the actual surgery site. At theback table, the surgeon is able to properly orient the shell 12 andaugment component 14 relative to one another before securing the augmentcomponent 14 and shell 12 together. Prior to coupling the shell 12 andcomponent 14 together at the back table, the surgeon may fit the augmentcomponent 14 into the void 60 already created in the patient's hipbone19 and may place the shell 12 in the desired position to mark theplacement of the augment component 14 and shell 12 relative to eachother. Marking the shell 12 and/or the augment component 14 allows thesurgeon to properly re-orient the two components relative to each otherwhen securing the shell 12 and the augment component 14 together at theback table away from the surgery site. Once the augment component 14 andshell 12 have been coupled together, the surgeon then places theassembled system 10 into the patient's hipbone 19. The surgeon may thenplace additional fasteners through the shell 12 and the augmentcomponent 14 to secure the augment component 14 and the shell 12 to thepatient's surrounding hipbone 19. Additional fasteners may be used tofurther secure the shell 12 directly to the surrounding bone 19.

As is noted above, the surgeon may also use bone cement (not shown) tosecure the augment component 14 to the patient's bone 19 and to securethe shell 12 to the augment component 14. Further, although only oneaugment component 14 is shown to be coupled to the shell 12, it iswithin the scope of this disclosure to use any number of augmentcomponents 14 with the shell 12 in order to fill multiple defects and/orlarger defects in a patient's bone 19.

Looking now to FIG. 8, an alternative modular cup and augment system 110includes a shell 112 and an augment component 114. Illustratively, theshell 112 and augment component 114 each include certain features thatare the same as or similar to features of the shell 12 and augmentcomponent 14 discussed above. As such, like reference numerals are usedto denote like components. As shown in FIG. 8, the shell 112 includes aplurality of slots 124 formed through the outer surface 20 and the innersurface 22. Such slots 124 are provided to receive one or morefasteners, such as the bone screw 26, therethrough, in order to couplethe shell 112 to the augment component 114 as well as to the patient'shipbone 19.

Illustratively, the augment component 114 of the system 110 includes thebores 50, 52 as well as a single, central bore 140 positioned betweenthe bores 50, 52. Similar to that discussed above in regards to theaugment component 14, the bores 50, 52 are configured to receive afastener therethrough to secure the augment component 114 to thepatient's hipbone 19. The central bore 140, however, is provided toreceive the fastener 26 therein in order to couple the shell 112 and theaugment component 114 to each other. Accordingly, while the system 10shown in FIGS. 1-7 includes the shell 12 having a plurality of apertures24 and the augment component 14 including the slot 40, the system 110shown in FIG. 8 includes the shell 112 including a plurality of slots124 (rather than the apertures 24 of the shell 12) and the augmentcomponent 114 including a single bore 140 (rather than the slot 40 ofthe augment component 14). As such, the augment component 114 issimilarly able to be placed in any suitable location on the outersurface 20 of the shell 112 provided that at least a portion of one ofthe slots 124 of the shell 112 is aligned with the bore 140 of theaugment component.

Illustratively, the plurality of slots 124 of the shell 112 are shown inFIG. 8 to be arranged in a particular pattern. It is within the scope ofthis disclosure, however, to include a shell having one or more slotsformed through the outer and inner surfaces 20, 22 thereof which arearranged in any suitable pattern. In other words, the slot or slots 124of the shell 112 may be arranged to extend in various differentdirections relative to one another and may or may not be interconnected.Furthermore, while the bore 140 of the augment component 114 isgenerally centrally-located between the two bores 50, 52, it is withinthe scope of this disclosure to provide an augment component having oneor more bores each configured to receive a fastener for coupling theaugment component to the shell in any suitable location.

Looking now to FIG. 9, another modular cup and augment system 210includes an alternative shell 212 and the augment component 14.Illustratively, the shell 212 includes a curved body 213 defining theouter curved surface 20 and the inner curved surface 22. Unlike theshells 12, 112, discussed above, the shell 212 does not include anyaperture, such as apertures 24, or slot, such as slots 124,therethrough. Further illustratively, the shell 212 includes a body 213and a rim 215 coupled to an outer, peripheral end of the body 213, asshown in FIG. 9. Illustratively, the body 213 of the shell 212 is madefrom the porous titanium foam disclosed above; however, it is within thescope of this disclosure for the shell 212 to be made from any suitablebiocompatible porous material. The rim 215, on the other hand, is madefrom a biocompatible metal such as stainless steel, titanium,cobalt-chrome, or other such alloys, for example. However, the rim 215may be made from a porous material as well. The rim includes a pluralityof bores 224 formed therethrough. The bores 224 are configured toreceive a fastener in order to secure the shell 212 to the patient'sbone 19.

In use, the surgeon implants the augment component 14 in the void 60created in the surgically-prepared acetabulum 18′ of the patient'shipbone 19 of the patient, as discussed above, and then aligns the shell212 relative to the augment 14 to determine the proper positioning ofthe shell 212 to best suit the patient's anatomy. Once the shell 212 isproperly positioned, the surgeon may place a marking on the shell 212 todenote the location of one or more holes to be drilled by the surgeonthrough the shell body 213 which would align with the slot 40 of theaugment component 14. The surgeon then drills the hole or holes throughthe shell body 213 at the site of the indicated markings on the shellbody 213. The drilling of the hole or holes may be conducted at the“back table” rather than within the patient himself. Once the hole orholes have been drilled, the surgeon places the shell 212 within thepatient and secures a fastener, such as the fastener 26, through each ofthe recently drilled holes in the shell body 213 and the slot 40 in theaugment component 40.

Alternatively, the surgeon may position, but not secure, the augmentcomponent 14 and the shell 212 within the patient and mark the shell 212and/or the augment component 14 in order to indicate the relativepositioning of the shell 212 and the augment component 14 to each other.As noted above, the surgeon may also indicate on the shell body 213where one or more holes may be drilled in alignment with the slot 40 ofthe augment component 14 in order to couple a fastener to the shell 212and component 14. The surgeon may then drill a pilot hole or holesthrough the shell body 213 at the back table and may further assemblethe system 210 together at the back table prior to implanting the system210 into the patient. As such, the shell 212 and augment component 14are assembled outside the patient by placing a fastener through each ofthe pilot holes drilled through the shell body 213 and into the slot 40of the augment component 14. Finally, the assembled shell 212 andaugment component 14 may be implanted into the patient. The shell 212 issecured to the patient by securing fasteners through the bores 224 inthe rim 215 of the shell 212.

As discussed above, the acetabular prosthesis systems 10, 110, 210disclosed herein each allow a surgeon to position the respective shell12, 112, 212 and augment component 14, 114 in any number of orientationsrelative to one another. This allows the surgeon the option ofpositioning the respective augment component 14, 114 in nearly anylocation on the outer curved surface 20 of the shell 12, 112, 212without limitation. As noted above, the shell 12, 112, 212 and theaugment component 14, 114 may be positioned in any orientation thataligns the slot 40 or bore 140 of the augment component 14, 114 with atleast one aperture 24 or slot 124 of the shell 12, 112, 212 in order toprovide a means by which a fastener can be used to couple the shell 12,112, 212 and the augment component 14, 114 together. Accordingly, theacetabular prosthesis system 10 of the present disclosure provides manyorientations by which a surgeon may to secure the augment component 14,114 and the shell 12, 112, 212 together using an external fastener inaddition to or instead of using bone cement. As such, a surgeon or othertechnician is able to place the acetabular shell 12, 112, 212 in anyorientation to mimic the patient's natural anatomy and can mechanicallyfix the shell to the augment.

While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such anillustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and notrestrictive in character, it being understood that only the illustrativeembodiments have been shown and described and that all changes andmodifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desiredto be protected.

There are a plurality of advantages of the concepts of the presentdisclosure arising from the various features of the systems describedherein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of each of thesystems of the present disclosure may not include all of the featuresdescribed yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of suchfeatures. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise theirown implementations of a system that incorporate one or more of thefeatures of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An acetabular prosthesis system configured to be coupled to asurgically-prepared acetabulum of a patient's hipbone comprising: anacetabular shell including an outer curved surface configured to engagethe surgically-prepared acetabulum, an inner curved surface, and aplurality of apertures extending through the outer curved surface andthe inner curved surface; an augment component configured to be receivedwithin a void created in the surgically-prepared acetabulum, the augmentcomponent including an inner curved surface configured to engage theouter curved surface of the acetabular shell, an outer surface, and aslot extending through the inner curved surface of the augment componentand the outer surface of the augment component; and a first fastenerconfigured to extend through at least one of the plurality of aperturesof the acetabular shell and into the slot of the augment component inorder to couple the acetabular shell and the augment component together.2. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the augmentcomponent includes a bore configured to receive a second fastenertherethrough.
 3. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 2, whereinthe bore of the augment component is non-threaded.
 4. The acetabularprosthesis system of claim 3, wherein the augment component isconfigured for the fastener to be self-threaded into the slot of theaugment component.
 5. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 1,wherein the outer surface of the augment component is curved and whereinthe augment component further includes a generally flat end surface. 6.The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 5, wherein the slot defines aplane generally perpendicular to the generally flat end surface of theaugment component.
 7. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 5,wherein the bore of the augment component extends through the outercurved surface of the augment component and the generally flat endsurface of the augment component.
 8. The acetabular prosthesis system ofclaim 1, wherein the augment component is made from a porous metalmaterial.
 9. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein theradius of curvature of the inner curved surface of the augment componentis generally equivalent to the radius of curvature of the outer curvedsurface of the shell.
 10. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 1,wherein the radius of curvature of the inner curved surface of theaugment component is approximately 90%-100% of the radius of curvatureof the outer curved surface of the shell.
 11. An acetabular prosthesissystem configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared acetabulum of apatient's hipbone comprising: an acetabular shell including an outercurved surface configured to engage the surgically-prepared acetabulumand an inner curved surface; an augment component configured to bereceived within a void in the surgically-prepared acetabulum of thepatient's hipbone, the augment component including an inner curvedsurface configured to engage the outer curved surface of the acetabularshell; and a fastener configured to secure the acetabular shell to theaugment component, wherein at least one of the acetabular shell and theaugment component includes a slot extending therethrough.
 12. Theacetabular prosthesis system of claim 11, wherein the acetabular shellincludes the slot, and further wherein the augment component includes abore configured to receive the fastener therethrough.
 13. The acetabularprosthesis system of claim 11, wherein the augment component includesthe slot and a curved body of the acetabular shell is devoid of any slotor aperture configured to receive the fastener therethrough.
 14. Theacetabular prosthesis system of claim 13, wherein the curved body of theacetabular shell is made from a porous metal material.
 15. Theacetabular prosthesis system of claim 14, wherein the porous material istitanium foam.
 16. The acetabular prosthesis system of claim 11, whereinthe acetabular shell is able to be secured by the fastener to theaugment component in (i) a first orientation, (ii) a second orientationwherein the acetabular shell is moved in one of a medial and a lateraldirection relative to the position of the acetabular shell in the firstorientation, (iii) a third orientation wherein the acetabular shell ismoved in one of an anterior and a posterior direction relative to theposition of the acetabular shell in the first orientation, and (iv) afourth orientation wherein the acetabular shell is moved in one of asuperior and an inferior direction relative to the position of theacetabular shell in the first orientation.
 17. A method of implanting anacetabular prosthesis system in a surgically-prepared acetabulum,comprising: implanting an augment component within a void created in thesurgically-prepared acetabulum, coupling the augment component to thesurgically-prepared acetabulum, positioning an acetabular shell in theacetabulum and orienting the acetabular shell to align a slot of theaugment component with at least one aperture of the acetabular shell,and coupling the acetabular shell to the augment component.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein coupling the acetabular shell to the augmentcomponent includes driving a fastener through the bore of the acetabularshell and the slot of the augment component.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein driving the fastener through the bore of the acetabular shelland the slot of the augment component includes self-tapping a bone screwinto the slot of the augment component.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein the acetabular shell is coupled to the augment component beforethe augment component is coupled to the surgically-prepared acetabulum.